Mañana Means Heaven, by Tim Z. Hernandez.A fictionalized account of the life of the subject of Jack Kerouac’s “The Mexican Girl.”

The Affairs of Others, by Amy Grace Lloyd.A young woman moves to a new neighborhood and is drawn into the strange, erotic lives of her neighbors.

Early Decision, by Lacy Crawford.Roman … clef about the ludicrous lengths some parents will go to to get their kid into the right college.

Asia

An Uncertain Glory, by Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen. India is an economic powerhouse — with huge social and poverty issues. Is there a sustainable future for India?

Big Bad China, by Alex Sanford. China has a rapidly growing economy, the biggest population in the world, plus significant human rights and environmental challenges. What does all of this mean for the rest of the world?

War History

Fatal Rivalry, by George Goodwin.In 1513, England (under Henry VIII) and Scotland (under James VI) fought their bloodiest-ever battle at Flodden. A historian takes a close look at the consequences.

Armor and Blood, by Dennis E. Showalter.Showalter, a Colorado College professor and World War II scholar, makes a case that the 1943 Eastern Front Battle of Kursk was a turning point in the war. Booklist calls this “a masterful work that may become the definitive account.”

In Washington, there may be no more loathed profession than that of the lobbyist. The political thriller “Miss Sloane” paints a cynical behind-the-scenes picture of the great lengths to which paid advocates will go to advance a cause.

The Denver Art Museum plans to funnel a $25 million one-time gift into the estimated $150 million budget for renovating its iconic North Building in time for the structure’s 50th anniversary in 2021, officials announced Thursday.